Thierry Navarre 'Le Laouzil' Grenache Blend 2021

ABOUT THE PRODUCER: Thierry Navarre is a bit of an icon in his region of Languedoc. He is widely regarded as one of the most respected natural winemakers in the area, and his wines are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and terroir-driven flavours. Without question, Navarre is best known for continuing his family’s dedication to promoting diversity of grape varietals in the region, resurrecting lost and ancient grape varietals - most of which are lower in alcohol. Taking over from over the domaine's vineyards in 1988, Navarre is a man who lives in his vines - a patch of 15ha based in and around the picturesque village of Roquebrun (which incidentally is set to become a grand cru of Saint-Chinian). His vineyards are farmed organically and filled with a role call of both popular and yet to be discovered varieties including Œillades, Ribeyrenc, Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache noir, Carignan, Romorantin, Clairette, Grenache gris, Marsanne, Terret and Muscat à petit grains blanc. These vines have a southwest exposure, and combined with soils composed of loose brown schist, generally produce lighter, mineral driven, delicate, more elegant styles compared to the wines from further south in Saint-Chinian. His lower alcohol (11%) and brighter ‘Le Vin d’Oeillades’ (Cinsault’s cousin) and ‘Le Ribeyrenc’ are French sommelier favourites and considered a ‘best kept secret’. The grapes are hand harvested, with some fully or partially destemmed. Following a natural fermentation in cement tanks, some of the cuvees are vinified traditionally, while others are vinified with carbonic maceration. Ageing occurs in a mix of tanks, old 228 litre and 500 litre barrels and foudre for 12 months. The resulting wines are unfined, yet they are filtered and have low sulphur.